Ronald Reagan was born on February 6, 1911, in Tampico, Illinois. After graduating from Eureka College in Illinois in 1932, he moved to Iowa and developed a national reputation as a radio sports broadcaster.

In 1937, Reagan moved to California and appeared in more than 50 films. His best-known movies included Knute Rockne, All American (1940), Kings Row (1942, nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture), Bedtime for Bonzo (1951), and Hellcats of the Navy (1957). He also acted in numerous television dramas and hosted General Electric Theater from 1954-1962.

As president of the Screen Actors Guild in the 1950’s, Reagan fought against the perceived Communist threat in Hollywood. His fame and conservatism propelled him to two terms as Governor of California from 1967 to 1975. In 1980, he won the Republican nomination for President and defeated incumbent Jimmy Carter to become the 40th President; he won reelection in 1984.

During his Presidency, Reagan oversaw a period of unprecedented prosperity, increased national defense, and achieved his goal of reducing the role of government in people’s lives. At the same time, he sought to destroy Communism – famously challenging Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev to “tear down this wall” in Berlin – and improve relations with the Soviet Union.

Reagan retired in California and was later diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. He died on June 5, 2004.

This is a 2016 Philadelphia Uncirculated Coin in a Capsule - Ronald Reagan